Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly Left Off England Central Contracts List

What happened: Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly have lost their England central contracts, with Steve Borthwick omitting both from a 25-man list a year before England’s World Cup campaign begins, according to The Guardian. Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour are both included.

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Why it matters: Central contract lists are not the same as final World Cup squads, but they are strong indicators of planning priority. Lawrence and Daly are described as the standout exclusions, which makes the decision more than an administrative update. It suggests Borthwick is narrowing, refreshing, or at least stress-testing the group he expects to build around before the tournament cycle reaches its decisive phase.

Selection context: The source says neither Lawrence nor Daly featured in England’s three Nations Championship matches this summer. Both did play during the Six Nations, while Daly was nursing an arm injury. That distinction matters. Their omission cannot be read cleanly as one simple verdict on form or availability from the provided information. It sits at the intersection of recent non-selection, injury context in Daly’s case, and Borthwick’s forward planning.

World Cup impact: With one year to go, this is the kind of list that shapes the competition before the competition starts. Players inside the central contract group are likely to have clearer alignment with England’s preparation rhythm, while those outside may need club form, fitness, or later squad opportunities to force their way back into the conversation. Lawrence and Daly are not confirmed as out of World Cup contention, but their route now looks less direct.

Who gains: Coles and Opoku-Fordjour being included is the other half of the story. Their presence points toward the profiles Borthwick wants closer to the core group. The source does not spell out tactical reasons, so the careful read is structural rather than speculative: England are allocating central-contract status to others while leaving two experienced recent internationals out.

What to watch: The next meaningful indicators will be Borthwick’s matchday selections and whether Lawrence or Daly return quickly through performance, fitness, or squad need. Daly’s arm injury requires particular follow-up because the source notes it without defining how heavily it influenced the decision. Lawrence’s case will be judged more sharply if he is fit and still outside the group.

Confidence: Confirmed by the source: Lawrence and Daly are omitted from England’s 25-man central contracts list, both played during the Six Nations, neither played in the three Nations Championship matches this summer, Daly had an arm injury, and Coles plus Opoku-Fordjour are included. Still needing follow-up: Borthwick’s full reasoning, each player’s current fitness, and whether omission affects World Cup selection chances in practice.